Saucer Magnolia

Description:

Large deciduous shrub or small tree having large open rosy to purplish flowers. Growing as a multistemmed large shrub or small tree, Magnolia × soulangeana has alternate, simple, shiny, dark green oval-shaped leaves on stout stems. Its flowers emerge dramatically on a bare tree in early spring, with the deciduous leaves expanding shortly thereafter, lasting through summer until autumn. Also known as the Tulip Tree, this magnificent neglected beauty is one of spring's largest trees that produces some of the most beautiful and enormous blooms that are both only eye-catching and insect attracting. This deciduous tree is also known for as one of spring's messiest trees; when the petals drop, the clean-up can be fierce and dangerous, especially if the ground or hard surface beneath is damp.

Habitat:

Magnolia × soulangeana is notable for its ease of cultivation, and its relative tolerance to wind and alkaline soils (two vulnerabilities of many other magnolias).

Notes:

- Tolerates poor soil and air pollution. - Area wildlife uses the larger dead branches of the Saucer Magnolia for nesting sites, and the sprouts of young trees are browsed. - 'Magnolia' was named after a 17th century French botanist named Pierre Magnol. - x soulangiana is named after Frenchman, Etienne Soulange-Bodin, who raised the original hybrid of this plant on his plantation in France.